Spinal stenosis: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to spinal stenosis — what it is, how it feels, and how it is managed.
Medically reviewed by D.C Matt · Lead Director
Last reviewed 1 July 2026
- Stenosis is usually caused by age-related changes in the spine.
- A classic feature is leg pain that eases when leaning forward or sitting.
- Most people are managed conservatively; surgery is for severe cases.
What is spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve passages, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
It develops most often with age as discs, joints and ligaments change. Symptoms depend on where the narrowing is — the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions are most commonly affected.
What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?
A classic pattern is leg pain, heaviness or numbness that comes on with walking or standing and eases with sitting or leaning forward.
- Leg pain, cramping or heaviness with walking or standing
- Relief when sitting or leaning forward (for example, on a trolley)
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Neck stenosis can cause arm symptoms or balance changes
How is spinal stenosis treated?
Most spinal stenosis is managed conservatively, with exercise, posture strategies, activity pacing and manual therapy.
Flexion-based exercises and walking programmes often help lumbar stenosis. Surgery is considered for severe or progressive nerve compression that does not respond to conservative care.
The Postura approach
At Postura Wellness, care for spinal stenosis is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
When to seek urgent care
Get emergency medical attention for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or inner thighs, or sudden severe weakness in a leg. These can signal cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
Sciatica FAQs
Why does leaning forward relieve spinal stenosis?
Bending forward opens up the spinal canal slightly, reducing pressure on the nerves, which is why symptoms often ease when sitting or leaning on a support.
Can spinal stenosis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many people manage well with exercise, activity modification and manual therapy. Surgery is reserved for severe or progressive cases.
Is walking good or bad for spinal stenosis?
Walking is encouraged, though some people need to pace it or use forward-leaning positions. A graded programme can build tolerance.
When is spinal stenosis an emergency?
Seek urgent care for loss of bladder or bowel control, groin numbness, or rapidly worsening leg weakness.
This guide is informed by patient information from accredited medical institutions:
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